By some recent estimates Rosacea afflicts
13 million Americans.
Rosacea is a chronic disease which usually
first appears as subtle reddening on the face. Over time
this may develop into some inflammation and may be
accompanied by skin eruptions. About half of Rosacea suffers also have
some sort of symptoms with their eyes (known as Ocular
Rosacea). If
left untreated, over time Rosacea can result in the
appearance of red lines which result from swollen or
damaged veins. [
More
on Symptoms...]

Rosacea most commonly afflicts adults between the ages of 30 and
60 though it has been know to afflict children. Symptoms
usually start to appear to people in their 30s or 40s. Men and
women are equally likely to to be affected and there seems
to be a genetic aspect to the disease. In one survey, forty
percent of rosacea sufferers surveyed could identify a
relative with the symptoms of rosacea. There is a
reasonably common belief the people of Irish or Northern
European descent are more likely to be affected though
some studies have not necessarily supported this. There is
no evidence that Rosacea can be passed from one person to
another (i.e: it is not a contagious condition).

The exact cause of Rosacea is still largely unknown,
however the symptoms are reasonably well understood as are
a variety of lifestyle factors (such as particular foods
and activities) that are known to trigger outbreaks in
people that have the disease.
[ More on Lifestyle Factors...]

At this time there is no complete cure for Rosacea.
Several treatments have been shown to be successful in
reducing or eliminating the symptoms. These
treatments, in combination with modifying the lifestyle
factors (mentioned above) can greatly reduce the
day-to-day impact of the disease for most people.
[ More on Treatments...]